A new breed of bioplastic packaging

Global bioplastics production capacity is expected to more than double from 2010 to 2015. Capacity is projected to breach the one million tonne mark already in 2011, according to a study presented by the industry association European Bioplastics in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Hanover.  From a figure of around 700,000 tonnes in 2010, the production capacity for bioplastics will increase to an estimated 1.7 million tonnes by 2015.  This year alone will see capacity hitting an important threshold: the first half of 2011 already recorded production capacity exceeding 900,000 tonnes.

The report further noted the composition of global production volume. In 2010, the bioplastics branch primarily produced biodegradable materials, totalling around 400,000 tonnes (compared to 300,000 tonnes of biobased commodity plastics). This ratio will be reversed in the coming years – despite overall growth. "Our market study shows that biobased commodity plastics, with a total of around one million tonnes, will make up the majority of production capacity in 2015. Biodegradable materials will, however, also grow substantially and will reach about 700,000 tonnes by then," explains Professor Dr. (Eng.) Hans-Josef Endres of the Unirversity of Applied Sciences and Arts of Hanover.

The swift  expansion of bioplastics is more visible in the rising number of applications – from packaging to automotive manufacture, toys, household products, electronic components, and many more other products. The growing group of durable biobased bioplastics appeals strongly to the packaging market that several well-known brands have introduced their products in biobased containers and packaging to the market. 

Innovation in PLA bio-based resin

A new generation of packaging films made from renewable resources was developed and launched by Taghleef Industries.  PLA stands for Poly-Lactic-Acid, a bioplastic obtained from starch or sugar and 100% compostable. Sugars taken from plants that can be  grown  every  year  are  transformed  by  Taghleef's supplier NatureWorks into Ingeo? biopolymer. PLA is usually made from renewable resources (corn, sugar beet, sugar cane, cassava, potatoes and many others).  Plants' photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to transform it into sugar or starch, which is then converted into PLA and then into packaging. With lower energy required by its production process, PLA delivers a lower carbon footprint compared to most oil-based plastics.

Under the brand, NATIVIA?, the innovative PLA film was launched during the second half of 2010, and served as the company's first step towards a large and ambitious project initiated  to drive the flexible packaging industries towards sustainability and with a lower environmental impact. It is a responsible and contemporary innovation film that gives consumers alternative choices for natural products and the possibility to give their contribution to the preservation of the environment. 

The whole NATIVIA? range is biodegradable and compostable. The packaging performance of NATIVIA?
Is at least equivalent, if not better, to that of traditional oil-based films for many applications,  matching  a  growing demand for eco-sensible products. The material offers a significant reduction in green house gas emissions which contribute to global warming and climate change and offers the potential for significant waste reduction. Moreover, NATIVIA? films are certified 4-star OK BIOBASED from Vincotte and approved for composting according to EN 13432.

One of the toughest hurdles to overcome in developing bioloEntrainement Nike